Exercises to release tension

[garch]

I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give on this.

I have identified that the biggest issue I have that costs me the most shots is tension in my swing. Even after recognising this I still can't get the right relaxed feel in my shoulders and hands all the time. When I nail it my ball striking is great, and I feel so much more comfortable swinging through the ball.

I was wondering if anyone had any good exercises or techniques that could help. I've tried all the waggling etc, and nothing seems to work.

Many thanks in advance.

[saevel25]

Strengthen the following areas,

Fingers, Wrists, Forearms, Back, Abdominals, Legs

Most tension to me comes from the over exagerate need to hold on to the club and control it. If you build strength in your body you don't need as much pressure to hold onto the club, and you will feel like you have more control.

Basic exercise is to hold your club with one hand, then rotate the club with your wrist only, this will help build wrist muscle.

If you feel tight, i would just look up on google, stretches for Pectorals, upper back, biceps, triceps, Lats.

My favorite is to sit on the ground, have on leg out, cross the other leg over the one out. Take the opposite arm (crossed over with left leg, take right arm) brace your self againts the knee and stretch your lats and abs by rotating around your spine. breath deep and feel the stretch more, make sure you spine is erect, do not slouch over.

Another good one, is lay on the ground, form a T with your arms and body. Bring your legs up 90 degrees, like you do when you sit in a chair, grab your knees with one hand and rotate them down to the side while keeping your back againts the ground.

[ks8829]

Hows your grip pressure? It should be a 3 or 4 out of 10.

[saevel25]

I hate using the scale method like that. One of the better representations of grip pressure was Tom Watson. Hold the club 90 degrees vertical in your hands, straight away from your chest. Let your grip loosen till the club slide out of your hands. You want it to be a bit before it comes sliding out of your hands.

[injury]

Just an idea...but you could try something we use in bowling to help people that are squeezing the ball and being tense. Get your setup and just before you get ready to go, tense everything up squeezing those muscles as tight as you can for a second or two then release the tension and go.

[Scott_K]

For my right hand, I keep a little pressure in my middle and ring fingers. The thumb has a little pressure as well. My pinky and index finger are just there as guides. I use a few waggles and inhale through my nose and out through the mouth to help keep myself loose.

As others have said, keep an eye on your grip pressure. When it's too tight, the tightness goes through your hands through shoulders and sometimes your body. In addition to the 3 or 4 of 10 and the Tom Watson method, I like the concept of holding a bird (think it was Hogan). Not too tight that you would squash it, but firm enough that it wouldn't get away.

[garch]

I hate using the scale method like that. One of the better representations of grip pressure was Tom Watson. Hold the club 90 degrees vertical in your hands, straight away from your chest. Let your grip loosen till the club slide out of your hands. You want it to be a bit before it comes sliding out of your hands.

This is a really great tip - as all the others on this thread have been. I tried this and can't believe how lightly this has me holding the club compared to what I thought was quite a light grip before. Not tried it in anger yet but will be on the course at 5.30 tomorrow morning giving it a go!